Throwback Thursday: 1969 DODGE HEMI CHARGER 500

The 426 HEMI engine introduced by Chrysler in 1964 gave racers an instant supremacy over the competition, but as GM and Ford gained ground with their own exotic power plants, Chrysler engineers turned to aerodynamics to regain the edge on the track. In 1968, Dodge introduced a redesigned Charger with a stylish new form incorporating Coke-bottle contours, a new recessed grille using the original's hidden headlights, a "flying buttress" roof with recessed rear window and minimal bright trim. The new Charger enjoyed a sixfold increase in sales, but it was still aerodynamically limited even with HEMI power at hand, so for 1969, a homologation special was developed using a flush-mounted Coronet front grille and flush rear window. Named the Charger 500, it was the last significant step in the search for improved aerodynamics before the introduction of the famous Dodge Charger Daytona. Although the 500 moniker symbolized the NASCAR requirement for homologation, Dodge built only 392 Charger 500 coupes, one of which is this outstanding example that has been a fixture in the Wellborn Musclecar Museum since 2004. Well known as the most highly optioned Charger 500 known to exist, it was sold new with an MSRP of $5,821.91 at Argyle Chrysler Dodge in Cooksville, Ontario, in Canada. It was the subject of a feature article in a 2005 issue of Muscle Car Review, where its fulsome list of options was chronicled in detail, including the luggage rack that was ordered for the car but never installed. In addition to the original matching numbers 426/425hp HEMI V8 and TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission, its mechanicals include power steering and brakes. Interior appointments include power windows, rare cloth bucket seats with headrests, center console with slap-stick floor shifter, AM radio with 8-track tape player, 6-way adjustable driver's seat, rear window defogger, A01 lighting group and tinted glass. The Bright White paint, reminiscent of the "body in white" finish used in the period by racers with factory connections, is accented with a black bumble bee stripe, bumper guards and painted steel wheels with red line tires. This unique machine is a Mopar "Aero Warrior."